Alternating-current-translating device.



L. F. HOWARD.

ALTEBNATING CURRENT TBAHSLATING DEVICE.

nrmoumn rnnn r2112, 1901. nnnzwnn SEPT. 14, 1007.

Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

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. 1 .r. W. mm m J m a h ML .2 .Mfm n "ma .w n3 Z W0 J n n m .w n L P F ,0 Z W 5 v g B L. F. HOWARD. ALTEBRAI'ING CURRENT TRANSLATING DEVICE. APPLIUATIOK FILED FEB.2, 1907. BEIEWED SBPLT. 14, 1907. 1,1 16,283.

L. P. HOWARD. ALTBBNATING CURRENT TRANSLATING DEVICE. APPLICATION IILED'I'EILZ, 1907. RENEWED SEPT. 14, 1907. ,1 1 33, Patented Nov. 3, 1914.

8 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

. [men/22n- I LEMUEL rnnnnnrc HOWARD, or Enenwoon UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ruin, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE UNION SWITCH AND SIGNAL COMPANY, 01 SWISSVALE, PENNSYLVANIA, A

CORPORATION OF PENNSYLVANIA.

ALTERNATING-CURBENT-TRAN SLATIN G DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 3,1914.

Application filed February 2, 1907, Serial No. 355,349. Renewed September 14, 1907. Serial No. 392,824.

To all whom it may concern Be it known. that I, LEMUEL FREDERIC Howann, a citizen of the United States, residing at Edgewood Park,' in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Alternating-Current-Translating Devices, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates .to alternating current translating devices, for example, relays for use in railway signaling systems, and especially to signaling systems employing alternating signaling current track. circuits applied toelectric railways using alternating current for car propulsion purposes and the track rails in a return. path or circuit for the alternating car propulsion current.

I will describe an alternating current translating device in the form of a relay embodying my invention together with modifications thereof, and its use in a signaling system applied to an electric railway on which the motor cars are propelledby alternating current.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a view in. side elevation of a relay embodying my invention. Figs-2, 3 and 4, are respectively top, bottom and end views of the relay of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of another relay embodying my invention, and Fig 6 is an endview thereof. Fig. 7 is a side elevation of still another relay, and

Fig. 9

Fig. 8 is a front elevation thereof. is a top plan view of still another relay. All of the foregoing views'are to a large extent diagrammatic. Figs. 10 and 11 are each diagrammatic views of a portion of an electric railway, the track rails of which are of the vane.

divided to form block sections and are included in the return path for the car propulsion current (which is an alternating current oflow frequency) and having applied thereto a signaling system including relays embodving my invention.

Similar letters of reference designate corresponding parts in all of the figures. My invention comprises in an alternating current translating device, '(for example a relay) a core having a winding and two sets of poles which act upon a vane by induction to produce opposite or reverse movements One. set of- .poles is made stronger, by suitable means, when an altermating current of high frequency is traversing the coil and dominant therein, and therefore, the vane is moved in one direction. 7 The other set of poles is made stronger, by suitable means, when an alternating current of relatively lower frequency is traversing the coil and dominant therein, and therefore, the vane is moved in the opposite direction. The vane in its movements is made to perform any desired work. For example, in a relay the opposite or reverse movements of the vane are availed of-to open and close contacts in one or more circuits.

Referring now to Figs. 1 to 4:, the relay comprises a core A, an energizing coil-B, and a vane-or armature C, pivoted at 0 and adapted in its reverse movements to open and close contacts 0 and 0 which are included in a circuit. The core may be said to comprise two side pieces a, a, substantially U-shapedand joined together by cross pieces a and a Each side piece is provided with inwardly extending ends forming poles. afla, designate one set of oles, and a", a designate the other set of. po es. Each side piece may also be provided with a leakage extension a these extensions being opposite, though they are not essential and may be dispensed with. The core, (all its parts) is made of laminations and the laminations and parts suitably connected together. The poles at, a", are split or bifurcated and inclosing the upper portion of the bifurcation of each pole is a closed conductor Z), preferably a copper band. The poles a, m, are also split or bifurcated, and a closed conductor 12 preferably a copper band, incloses the lower portion of thebifurcation of each pole. A closed conductor 6 preferably of copper, also incloses each pole a, a.

A closed conductor winding. 1) is placed around the cross piece a and an energizing winding B is placed around the cross piece a and Joined to conductors upon which two alternating currents of different frequencies are impressed, for example, the track rails of a track circuit for a block section. The Wine C as I shall hereinafter designate it,

is between the two sets of poles a, a, a, a,

and when'the winding B is traversed by alternating currents of different frequencies, the' vane C moves on its pivot in opposite or reverse directions according to which set of poles is strongest, to open and close the contacts 0 c The action of the alternating currentv to move the vane involves the principle of the shifting magnetic field which is explained in U. S. Patent No. 823,086, granted June 12, 1906.

The closed conductors and air gaps are so proportioned, that when the winding B is traversed by high frequency current, the.

poles at, a, will be stronger than the poles a a and the vane C will be moved to close the contacts; when "the winding B is traversed by the low frequency current the poles a a will be stronger than the poles a a, and the vane C will be moved to open the contacts; when the winding B is traversed simultaneously by both alternating currents, the poles a, a, will be stronger than the poles a a and the vane C will be held or moved to closev the contacts, provided, however, that the voltage of the low fre uency current is such that the magnetic fiel produced by the low frequency current is not dominant. Should this condition occur, that is, should the' magnetic field produced by the low frequency current be dominant, the oles a M, will be stronger and the vane will be moved to open the contacts. Thus it will be seen that under no conditions will the vane C be moved to close the contacts, which as stated, may be located in a signal circuit, by a low frequency alternating current traversing the winding B. The condition of having both alternating currents traverse a coil B simultaneously could not occur with a car or train on the track rails of the track circuit in which the coil B is included and between the source of alternating signaling current and the coil B, for the reason that the wheels and axles of the car would act as a short circuit for the high frequency alternating signaling, current.

The action of the relay, assuming the different parts, that is, the closed conductors and air gaps are roperly proportioned, is as follows: If an a ternating current of high frequency (say 60 cycles) should flow through the winding B, the flux produced by the alternating current in the winding has a number of paths through which it can flow and the greatest amount of flux will flow through the path of least reluctance. Take first the path fforded by the projections a and intervening air gap and the poles a, a, the vane C and intervening air gaps. Of course, there will be a certain amount of leakage of the flux between the extensions a and this amount is increased in this part of the core by reason of the closed conductor bands 72 around the poles a, a The electro-motive force induced in these bands is proportional to the frequency, that is the higher the frequency the greater wili be the electro-motive force. Consequently, a frequency of an alternating current at 60 cycles will produce more electro motive force in the conductors b than an alternating current of 25 cycles (the frequency generally employed for car propulsion current). The electro-motive force produces an opposing flux, and this opposing flux tends to increase the leakage between the extensions a leaving a comparatively smaller amount of flux toleak between the poles a a. On the other hand, the cross-piece a being continuous, offers a low reluctance path for the flux and therefore a high 'electro motive force is induced in. the closed conductor 6 The opposing flux generated by the conduc tor Z) causes a large enough part of the flux (in this part of the core) produced by the current in the winding B, to leak between the poles a a, to make the poles a a), stronger than the poles a a and the vane move upward to close the contacts 0 0 In the case of a low frequency current traversing the winding B, the opposing flux generated by the conductors V, is proportionately less than at the higher frequency, and this opposing flux has less proportional tendency to cause leakage through extension pieces a and the flux between a and a"' is relatively increased. At the same time the opposing flux generated by the conductors b is less than at the higher frequency and less flux is caused to passfbetween a and a". Consequently, the poles a 0 will be stronger than the poles a, a, and the 'vane (I will be moved to open the contacts 0 Should the two currents traverse the windtendency for the ilternating car propulsion current to become dominant in the wind in'g B.

I have found in practice that a relay constructed as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4 will operate in the manner described when the dimensions of the several parts are as follows: Dimension H, 9% inches; H, 4% inches; H inches; H inch; H. 1 inch; cross-section of all parts of core A same as just given for H and H"; air gap between poles (1. and a, 5/64 inch; air gap between poles a and a, inch; air gap between leakage extension poles a a 1 inch; closed conductors b, b, b, 5', each 1} inch wide, and .0508 inch thick; closed conductors b, 71 each inch Wide and .0253 inch thick; closed conductor winding b 26 turns of No. ll copper wire.

Referring now to Figs. 5 and 6, the same construction of relay is employed excepting that an additional cross-piece (If is employed upon which an energizing winding B isplaced which is in circuit with the conductors upon which the two kinds of alternatingcurrent are impressed. Anexan1ple-of the use of this relay is illustrated in Fig. 11.

I have found in practice that a relay constructed as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 will operate in the manner described when the dimensions of the parts are as follows: Dimension H, 5 inches; H, 5% inches; H 3% inches; H inch; H, inch; cross-section of all parts of core A same as just given for H and H; air gap between poles a anda, 77; inch; air gap between poles a and a, inch; closed conductors 6, 6,1) and I), each g inch wide and .0508 inch thick; closed conductors b I), each 1, inch wide and .0403 inch thick; air gap between'leakage extension poles (i -a inch; closed conductor winding 6 16 turns of No. 12 copper wire.

Referring now to Figs. 7 and 8, instead of using the form of core illustrated in Figs. 1

. to 4: I employ a fiat laminated core M having two sets of inwardly extending projections to form the two sets of poles a, a, a, a, and one or more cross-pieces m, m upon which the energizing windings B, B'; are placed.

In Fig. 9 I have shown the core as having only one cross-piece m upon which a single energizing winding B is placed.. The action of this form of the invention is like that set forth in connection with Figs. 1 to 4. The selective? action of the vane as has been pointed out depends mainly upon the proper proportioning of the closed conductors and the air gaps. Instead of only one energizing coil in Fig. 9, there may be two such coils in series and located as shown in dotted lines. This may also be true of the other forms of relay herein described.

I have found in practice that a relay constructed as shown in Figs. 7 and 8 willoperate in the manner described when the dimensions of the several parts are as follows: Dimension H, 3 inches; H, 7% inches; H 1} inch; H, 5. inch; H, 5} inch; cross-section of all parts of core M same as just given for H and H; H, 1 inch; air gap between poles a and a, inch; air gap between poles a and a, inch; closed conductors b, b, b, b, each inch wide and .0641 inch thick; closed conductors b. b, each 5% inch wide and 5/64 inch thick.

I have found in practice that a relay constructed as shown in Fig. 9 will operate in the manner described when the dimensions of the several parts are as follows: Dimension H, 12% inches; H, 6% inches; H, 22

inches; H 3 inches; H, 1 inch; H", 111: inches; thickness of all parts ofcore M, 1}

inches; air gaps between poles at, a, and between polesa, a equal, each being5/64 inch in length; closed conductors b, b, each s inch wide and .0225 inch thick; closed condugtors b, b, each fi; inch wide and i inch thick; closed conductors b If, each 1r inch wide and .028 inch thick. I have also found in practice that a relay constructed as shown in Fig. 9 will operate in the manner described when the parts are of the same dimensions as just given, except as followsair gap between pole-pieces a, (LG-.090 inch air gap between pole-pieces a, a 5/64 inch; closed conductors b, b, b, I), each inch wide and inch thick; other dimensions same as given before.

Referring now to Figs. 10 and 11, E designates a portion of a railway track of an electric railway which is divided by insulation joints e to form block sections in a manner well understood in the art. As shown, both rails are divided though, if desired, only one may be so divided. Both arrangements are well known in the art. I

have shown one block section and portions of two others. As the rails (one or both) are to be included in the return path for the car propulsion current which, as stated, is alternating current of low frequency, provision is made for conducting. the propulsion current around insulation points by means of reactance bonds. F, F, F and F designate such bonds. These bonds, as is well known, comprise a core and a winding or windings, all the turns of which are in the same direction and in close inductive relation. Such a type of bond is illustrated in U. S. Patent No. 838,916, granted December 18, 1906. In this type of bond the propulsion current is made to flow through two equal parts of the winding or two windings of the same number of turns in reverse produces no magnetizing effect on the core of the bond. As shown, the windings of two adjacent bonds are connected by a conductor f or there may be a plurality of such conductors. By this arrangement of track. the propulsion current in its return through the rails and windings in the manner stated, will not magnetize the cores of the reactance bonds, thus leaving-them free to act as impedances for the alternating signaling current, which is of a higher frequency than the car propulsion current. I have not illustrated the A. C. generator for the car propulsion current or the power conductor, as these are well known in the art.

The signaling system applied to the railway, comprises a railway signal or signals for each block section, and one or more track circuits for each block section to control one operation of the railway signal. I have not illustrated any railway signal and any'of the well-known types of automatic signal may be used. I have indicatcd a part of the local circuit which includes the operating mechanism of the railway signal.

Each track' circuit comprises, a source of directions so that the propulsion current alternating signaling currentand one or more relays. The source of alternating signaling current for each track circuit is in the form of a transformer T, the secondary of which is connected with the track rails of the block section, while the primary thereof may be in multiple circuit with mains 7. 2, extending along the track from an altcnnating current generator T The transformer for each track circuit is intermediate. the ends thereof, preferably at about the middle point.

In l i g. 10 I have shown each track circuit as comprising two relays. The coil of one relay is connected directly with the track rails at one end of the track circuit, while the coil of the second relay is in circuit with the secondary of a transformer T located at the other end of the track circuit. The vanes of both relays are electrically connected and both vanes must be moved in response to the alternating signaling current to close the local circuit. The relays, of course, are of the construction hereinbefore described'and illustrated. When a car or train enters a block sectionone or both of the relays are shortcircuited to have them open the local circuit and this condition exists so long as the car or train remains in the block section.

In. Fig. 11 I have illustrated but one relay, but having two energizing coils, one of which is connected with the track rails at one end of the track circuit while the other of which is in circuit with the secondary of a transformer T located at the other end of the track circuit.

I have found in practice that the relays described operate substantially as stated, and I have given my views as to the explanation of such operation, but I do not desire to be limited to any particular theory of operation.

What I claim as my invention is: y

l. A relaycomprising a corehaving two sets of poles and a leakage circuit, an energizing winding for said core which is at times traversed by two alternating currents of different frequencies, means associated with said core for permitting magnetic leakage in said leakage circuit in different quantities when the Winding ist avc sed by the alternating currents, whereby when the winding is traversed by the high frequency current one set of poles will be stronger than the other, and when traversed by the lower frequency current and not by the high frequency current or when the magnetic field produced by the low frequency current is dominant over the magnetic field produced by the high frequency current, the other set of poles will be stronger, and a vane movable in one direction by one set of poles and in a reverse direction by the other set of poles.

2. A. relay comprising an energizing wind ing which at times is traversed by alternating currents of different frequencies, a core having two sets of poles, a closed circuit surrounding the path of the flux through one set of poles. a vane, means associated with One set of poles for causing the flux traversing it to produce motion of the vane in one direction and means associated with the other set of poles for causing a turning eliort of the vane in the opposite direction.

3. A relay comprising a magnetizing winding, a core divided outside of said winding to form two paths for the flux threadmg said coil, means for delaying the phase of a portion of the flux traversing each division of the core, and a vane 0ppositely affected by the flux traversing the two divisions of said core.

1. A relay comprising a magnetizing winding, a core divided outside of said winding to form two paths for the flux threading said coil, means for causing mag netic dissimiliarity of the two divisions,

means for delaying the phase of a portion of the flux traversing each division, and a ane oppositely affected by the flux traversing the two divisions of the core.

5. A relay comprising a magnetizable core having two pairs of poles, the poles of each pair being oppositely disposed, an

energizing winding for said core which winding is at times traversed by alternating currents of two different frequencies, a vane of non-magnetic electroconductive material mounted to move between the poles of each pair; closed conductors for the poles, each conductor surrounding only a portion of its pole and said conductors being so located on the poles that the shifting mag netic field produced by one pair of poles tends to move the vane in one direction, and that the shifting magnetic field produced by the other pair of poles tends to move the vane in the opposite direction; means associated with the core for causing the force exerted on the vane by one pair of poles or the other to predominate according as the energizing winding is traversed by current of one frequencyor the other; and a contact controlled by said vane.

- In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribed witnesses. 

